The Sunshine Coast has long been a fertile ground for brilliant produce, culinary talent, and community spirit—but this week, it’s officially the dish of the day.
The Curated Plate, Queensland’s most delicious date on the calendar, has once again kicked off with all the theatrical flourish of a fine flambé, opening ten days of premium food and drink festivities across one of Australia’s most picturesque regions.
This year’s festival got cooking—quite literally—in the scenic hinterland with a paddock-to-plate spectacle helmed by Peter Kuruvita, esteemed chef and Festival Culinary Director. With his signature charisma and culinary clout, Kuruvita led guests on a gastronomic gallivant through the Sunshine Coast’s fertile farms and artisan producers before conjuring up a long lunch worthy of a standing ovation.
On the menu? A generous serving of seasonal Sunshine Coast flavour—think native herbs, slow-cooked local proteins, and sauces so good you’d lick the plate and risk public shame. And when it seemed things couldn’t get any more elevated, guests quite literally took off with a sunrise hot air balloon flight thanks to Sunshine Coast Ballooning, floating high above the hinterland in a scene so idyllic it would make a Hallmark director weep.
“The Curated Plate is such a special celebration of what makes the Sunshine Coast unique—the quality of our local produce, the people behind it, and the incredible diversity of food experiences on offer,” said Kuruvita, who has never been shy of championing regional flavour.
And what a menu of experiences it is. From contemporary Australian creations to zingy Asian delights, salt-kissed seafood feasts and indigenous ingredients that tell the stories of the land, the 2025 lineup reads like a love letter to Queensland’s pantry.
With over 10,000 visitors expected across the festival, including enthusiastic foodies from interstate and abroad, The Curated Plate is doing more than serving exquisite eats—it’s also providing a hearty boost for local tourism.
But don’t despair if you missed the opening act. The show is far from over, with more than 50 events still to come. This weekend alone promises a cornucopia of culinary curiosity.
The first cab off the rank is Picnic on Kings, which is making its sun-dappled debut at Kings Beach Amphitheatre. Expect gourmet hamper spreads, shaded relaxation zones, and—yes—an appearance from the nation’s blue-hued sweetheart, Bluey. Tickets are available online or at the gate. Scan the QR code, and you’ll be in for a treat.
For something with a little more spice, the Asian Food Festival at Spicers Tamarind Retreat (2–3 August) will showcase fragrant fare from across the continent, cooked and served in the lush rainforest surrounds of Maleny. Think chilli, lemongrass, lime—and lashings of local passion.
Do you prefer your tunes with a side of tapas? Head to Jazz on a Plate in Kenilworth on Friday, 2 August, where the saxophones will sizzle just as much as the skillets.
Let’s not forget the Mooloolaba Seafood Market Day, which is making waves this Sunday (27 July). Here, salty air mingles with the aroma of fresh-caught snapper, local prawns, and hands-on cooking demos—creating a celebration of Queensland seafood that’s as lively as lip-smacking.
From humble growers to high-profile chefs, and families chasing Bluey to gourmands chasing flavour, The Curated Plate continues to rise as a showcase of everything the Sunshine Coast does best.
So if your palate needs inspiration—and your calendar could use a bit more flavour—there’s still time to tuck in.
Visit thecuratedplate.com.au for tickets and the whole event lineup.
By Stephen Morton
